Day trip: Stillwater, where old-fashioned meets contemporary

Editor's note: Some versions of this story misidentified the location of Fine Living. It's no longer in the Grand Garage building but at 223 S. Main St.

Historic charm -- that's the first thought that comes to mind when describing downtown Stillwater along the banks of the St. Croix River. With a closer look, it's clear the river town's tradition mixes well with contemporary finds for anyone spending an afternoon here.

Stillwater not only boasts some of the best antique hunting in the metro, it also is home to trendy apparel and gift stores dotted mostly along Main Street.

With more than 40 stores to choose from, it's best to decide what type of shopping you're in the mood for first.

Fine jewelers, antique malls, boutiques as well as home and gift stores abound.

There are plenty of places to dine, as well. If you want to take it all in at a more leisurely pace, consider an overnight stay at one of the nearby cottages, cabins, historical bed and breakfasts or inns that have helped downtown Stillwater make a name for itself.

BOUTIQUES

Several places offer apparel. Highlights include Mainstream Boutique, which moved into larger digs in the Brick Alley Building earlier this year. The women's apparel shop with several Twin Cities locations offers a mix of sophisticated clothing and accessories at mid-range prices. In the same building, style mavens will find Betty June's, which recently moved out of its New Richmond, Wis.

Advertisement

, digs to its current downtown spot. It's worth a stop for the variety of tasteful jewelry, bags and gift items. Note that the front of the store now houses Trade Winds Spice Company, which in the past year moved from a nearby spot.

Continue north to the St. Croix River Exchange Building, where a few more shops await. The designer-inspired Lori's New York Fashionsoffers a more affordable, fast-fashion version of handbags, jewelry and other accessories seen on runways. The shop is big on pre-packaged matching necklace and earring sets, which makes piecing your outfit together that much easier.

In the same building, Jade's Addictionapparel for women and men emphasizes pieces that are upcycled, recycled or produced by local artists. New clothing and accessories are in one room, while consignment items are in another. A few doors down, bargain-hunters should stop at Bronze, which prides itself on the fact that every item in the store costs less than $10. The shop also offers beachwear, but the best steal is the pretty handmade jewelry from India.

Outdoor enthusiasts looking for style won't want to miss 45 Degrees for its quality active wear as well as coveted brands such as Prana clothing and Uggs footwear.

Vintage skis were used to make a table and
chairs, available at Alfresco in Stillwater. (Pioneer Press: Jean Pieri)

Life is Good feels like you've just walked into a store while on spring break, thanks to the casual and colorful offerings of sundresses, beach-themed shirts, sun hats and jewelry.

Trendsetters will want to make it a point to stop by Collaborations boutique above Leo's Grill & Malt Shop. The second-story shop offers a youthful, well-edited selection of popular brands such as Ya, Tulle and Billabong and Freeloader.

On the northern end of downtown, you'll run across Katydid's/Stokes Jewelry, offering an eclectic mix of women's clothing, jewelry and accessories as well as a few gift items.

On the other side of the street, you'll find Janna's Hides & Rides consignment, specializing in leather goods such as jackets, skirts, pants, belts and hats. Camy Couture offers trendy clothing and accessories for the young at heart. On the same block, River Jeans offers men's and women's apparel. Of course, the store stocks plenty of denim.

As you head south on Main Street, take a slight detour onto Chestnut Street, where two shops are must-stops for fashionistas. The darling Urban Violet boutique offers a fashion-forward selection of youthful women's clothing and accessories at down-to-earth prices. Dresses are among the standouts. A few feet away, Karma Clothing Co. offers gently used apparel for both men and women and is big on designer denim.

Next, The Shirt Factory is big on T-shirts and souvenir items. Bring your favorite logo or design -- you can get pieces custom made.

Afternoon destinations

Continue south and you'll cross to Britta's Boutique, the newest addition to the downtown boutique set. The quaint spot features contemporary women's clothing from popular brands such as Kerisma, as well as some lesser known names. Accessories and gift items are also part of the lineup.

If your timing is right, The Fun Sisters occasional store a few doors down may be open for clothing and accessories. In the Grand Garage building, the grown-up SASH boutique offers European-influenced clothing and accessories for women.

HOME AND GIFTS

When you need that perfect home accessory or holiday hostess gift, you've got choices. A must stop on the southern end of downtown is Alfresco, which offers a quality and eclectic mix of kitchen, apothecary, baby, local artisan jewelry and other gifts in a pretty setting. The spot is also a place for home-design enthusiasts, thanks to a standout selection of rugs as well as custom and locally crafted furniture.

Fine Living of Stillwater features home pieces such as furniture and artwork and gift ideas including jewelry and candles.

Continue north to the corner of Main and Nelson streets, where the colorful and contemporary Mari Mi awaits. The space boasts a stylish selection of cards, stationery and wrapping paper. A few gift items are also part of the line up.

It's hard to not be in a cheerful mood at Kathe Wohlfahrt, which always has one of the most festive window displays in all of downtown Stillwater. That's because the window decor incorporates hand-crafted Christmas items from Germany that the store specializes in, including figurines and ornaments.

Finding a good book is breezy at The Valley Bookseller, thanks to the staff having done much of the editing for you. There's even a kids' play and reading area, so bring the little ones.

Across Main Street, several more home and gift shops await. In the historic Isaac Staples Sawmill building, you'll find the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery, a co-op featuring more than 60 artists offering paintings and more. In addition to regularly featured artists, a special-themed showroom changes monthly. Mama Luna, a shop that opened in the past year in the same building, offers apothecary and eco-friendly items, with an emphasis on baby gifts.

Just south of there, Tamarack Gallery boasts the oldest and largest fine art gallery in Stillwater. The spot features more than 50 artists specializing in everything from fiber art to pottery and sculptures to jewelry.

On the corner of Chestnut Street, Art n Soul offers gift items and is a hub for jewelry-making. So if you want to put your own personal touch on jewelry, head downstairs to the expansive bead shop. Make the jewelry yourself or enlist a staff member to help customize a piece.

Next, make your way to Gallery 3Ten Fine Art featuring close to two dozen local and national American craft artists in media such as pottery, sculpture and jewelry. The store also offers gift items.

At Local Color on Main, find a bit of something for everyone. It has a large variety of items from jewelry to clothing and gifts to artwork.

Art lovers should take a slight detour to The Little Parrot Art off Chestnut Street just west of Main Street. The quaint spot is a place to shop art such as paintings, ceramics, photography, textiles, glass and jewelry. Some wellness gifts such as botanicals are offered as well. Also off the beaten path is Camrose Hill Flowers, which features botanical gifts.

Cooking enthusiasts will want to stop by Cooks of Crocus Hill in the Grand Garage back on Main Street -- a favorite destination for its quality kitchen gadgets and top brands.

Past Grand Garage, Forget Me Not offers floral and home decor pieces with European accents.

ANTIQUES AND REUSED

In addition to boutiques and gift stores, lovers of vintage, antique and reused merchandise will find plenty from which to choose. Antique malls are the main draw.

Near Nelson Street on Main Street, don't miss the expansive Midtown Antiques. The variety of offerings include quality vintage posters, Parisian hats, antique dressers, clothes and much more from more than 100 antiques dealers. The three-story antique mall includes a sizeable furniture gallery on the top floor. Next, head north to Our Antiques for more antique furniture and home-decor items. Artwork, old-fashioned lamps and kitchenware are among the standouts. Continue to Stillwater Antiques Mall & Art Gallery in a former bank building on the corner of Myrtle Street, where you'll find an eclectic mix of furniture and home-decor pieces.

On the northern end of downtown, the multi-story Staples Mill Antiques offers a maze of flashback finds. Fashionistas might want to take note of vintage fashion magazines offered on the first floor and a quality vintage clothing area on the second level. Hobby items such as vintage skis and fishing poles are also part of the mix.

American Gothic Antiques offers a range of retro clothes and furniture. For those looking for unique lamps and light fixtures, Let There Be Light Antiques might be just the ticket.

Country Charm Antiques is a blast from the past with offerings from more than 40 dealers, ranging from furniture to tableware and jewelry to clothing.

Downtown Stillwater is also known for its used bookstores. Black Letter Books on the corner of Myrtle and Main streets features second-hand rare and out-of-print books in a variety of subjects that include classic titles, collector's volumes and bound antiquarian works.

St. Croix Antiquarian Booksellers also features unique finds. A few months ago, the bookstore started dedicating a section of the store for apparel and accessories from Out of Print Clothing. Sales from the company's shirts, iPad covers, tote bags and more go for a good cause: With each item sold, a book is donated to Books for Africa.

DINING

When it's time for lunch, there's no lacking of places to go for burgers, pizza and comfort food. While there are too many dining options to name all of them, a few to keep in mind include Leo's Malt Shop -- a draw not only for its flashback setting and American classics menu, but also for its variety of malts -- and Pub 112 Eatery. It's one of Stillwater's newest additions and has a selection of Irish and craft beers.

In addition to comfort fare, other options include Smalley's, which has become a destination for its barbecue and tasty side dishes -- but note that it's only open for lunch Thursday through Sunday.

For atmosphere, try Marx Wine Bar, known for its friendly neighborhood vibe and its menu of worldly influences. The Green Room is another place where locals like to hang. The atmosphere is friendly, and the contemporary American and Indian menu is inventive and reliable. Great views of the St. Croix River and lift bridge from the back of the restaurant don't hurt its appeal either. Reve 324 wine bar is another cozy neighborhood spot with a menu of contemporary American fare with European accents.

In Grand Garage, Shanghai Bistro has become a crowd-pleaser for its expansive stone patio and contemporary dining space, not to mention its menu of Asian dishes with a twist. For something more laid-back, Quickfire Pizza balances contemporary and casual. The shop Mari Mi also has a counter where you can order soups, sandwiches and cupcakes in a casual setting.

For something more formal, visitors head to Dock Cafe for a fancier menu as well as one of the closest restaurant views of the St. Croix River.

Make sure to save room for dessert: Downtown is home to several fudge and candy shops.

PLAY

There are even more ways to enjoy what downtown Stillwater has to offer.

During warm weather, paddleboat rides on the St. Croix Boat and Packet Co. are a way to package a scenic river tour and a meal all into one. Stillwater Trolley Co. offers another way to see the river valley, including a tour of nearby mansions.

Visitors might like Northern Vineyards Winery and its wine tastings. Joseph Wolf Brewery Cave Tour is open on weekends and is a way to see the brewery that was once housed inside the limestone caves during the late 1800s.

For something relaxing, girlfriends may want to meet at Just for Me the Spa just up the hill for a massage, facial, pedicure or other pampering service. Couples massages are also offered. The spot also has three cottages available on the grounds, so consider an overnight stay to play longer in Stillwater. After all, there will be no lack of things to see and do.